The 19th century is a time of great culture expansion for the privileged minority. The pursuit of art in any form is admired as fashionable and highly desirable. Many wealthy citizens plunge huge sums into sponsorship of the arts, money that might be much better spent on alleviating poverty for the masses. Artisans are allowed an incredible freedom from the social restrictions so beloved by their patrons. Artists are expected to womanize, to drink, to be witty and outspoken - in short, to perform all the acts that the sponsor couldn't be seen to do.